Two of the most underrated players in the NHL will likely spend a lot of time on the ice against one another. Boyle is a skilled defenseman who has 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) and is plus-14 in 23 career games against the Stars.

Key stat: 34.5

San Jose ranks second in the NHL in shots on goal per game at 34.5. Dallas ranks last in the league in shots allowed per game at 32.7.

Dallas lost a 4-1 game at home against San Jose this season, but the Stars are 11-4-1 in their last 16 trips to San Jose. … Andrew Raycroft is expected to start in goal for the Stars. He is 1-6-0 in his career against San Jose with a 3.60 GAA and .896 save percentage. … San Jose ranks second in faceoff winning percentage at 53.8 percent, but ranks 30th in penalty kill at 74.3 percent.